Farewell and Godspeed

I cried today.

Many who knew me as a teenager would know that it's a big deal when I cry.  There was a long while in my life when, for whatever reason, I couldn't cry.  Now, though, it seems as though I cry at just about any given opportunity.  Usually, I try to find ways to laugh so hard that I cry.  On many occasions, my kids make me so proud of them that I cry tears of joy.  Today, however, was different.  Today, I cried because I lost a friend.

Major Dorothy Hopps, a retired Salvation Army officer who was a faithful soldier of the Noble Worship Center where I am appointed, was promoted to Glory this morning.  I had only known her since this past June when I moved here, but it was long enough that she was able to have a lasting impact on me.

If I could say one thing about her, it would be that no matter what she believed, she believed in it with all her heart and left no room for doubt.  It is truly a blessing to know that her greatest belief was in the saving power of Jesus Christ.  I have no doubt that while her body rests here below, her soul is united with the One she has always loved the most.

I didn't agree with every belief Major Dorothy held.  Many of these beliefs would align with what you may assume a 90-something minister may believe, while others came from various forms of theological studies that I was unfamiliar with.  Regardless of what I did and didn't align with, I respected the convictions she held for all of her beliefs, and her concern for the preservation of God's Word and a deepening of an understanding of Scripture among the ranks of her beloved Salvation Army.  That was one thing we could agree on - a mutual adoration and concern for our cherished Army.

In the past few weeks, I was blessed to visit Major Dorothy at least 3 times in the hospital.  Each time, her health was in various states of decline.  However, she always wanted me to share with her in the reading of Scripture.  I always offered to pray with her, and she always accepted, praying also for me and my family before I could leave.  It was easy to tell that she loved Jesus with her whole being, and she has inspired me to press on and do the same.

The piano will never quite sound the same.  The euphonium chair will presently sit empty.  I cried today.  I cried tears of mourning for the loss of a friend, and I cried tears of joy for the life yet to come.  You will be missed, Major Dorothy.  Tell my friends I'll be there when my work is done.

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